With the 2018 NFL Draft nearly a week away, we grade each offensive position leading up to the big day.
With polarizing prospects, generational talent and potential busts, there is no shortage of storylines in the 2018 NFL Draft. And as we inch closer to April 26, each player has proven to NFL scouts and general mangers a glimpse of what they could do at the next level.
While some position groups feature plenty of depth, others are lacking in talent. Each draft class tells a different story from position to position when it comes to talent level.
Here, we grade the best and worst offensive positions in the draft in terms of overall quality.
Quarterbacks – Draft Grade: A
While there is plenty of talent across the board in the draft, this year’s quarterback class stands alone. From the probable top picks all the way down to mid-third-rounders, NFL teams can find quarterback talent early and late.
While three of the top quarterbacks will most likely be taken in the top-10, other talented passers like Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph and Louisville’s Lamar Jackson will be waiting in the wings. As for the first-round prospects, this group has a chance to become incredible in the long run.
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Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen and Sam Darnold will all have the chance to become big-impact players in the NFL. Though time will tell if these highly-touted players will pan out as pros.
Running Backs – Draft Grade: B
With recent draft selections including Ezekiel Elliot, Leonard Fournette and Alvin Kamara who made big impacts as rookies, teams are looking very critically at the running back position entering this year’s draft. 2018 features a solid running back class and a few game-breaking players.
Saquon Barkley is a can’t miss prospect and could end up as the best player to come out of this draft. However, there are other talented running backs that could find solid roles for themselves in the NFL. Georgia’s running back duo in Nick Chubb and Sony Michel have all the talent to thrive at the next level. Both backs would be steals in mid to late rounds in the draft.
Offensive Guards – Draft Grade: B+
Much like the quarterback class, this year’s offensive guards are loaded with talent. Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson is a sure-fire, top-ten prospect. Additionally, UTEP’s Will Hernandez sky-rocketed his draft stock with an impressive Combine.
With cornerstone players like Nelson, Hernandez and Georgia’s Isiah Wynn, offensive guard will be a hot commodity come draft day. As a result, if teams are in need of an interior offensive lineman, it’s best to use an early selection instead of waiting on a sleeper.
Offensive Tackle – Draft Grade: B-
This year’s tackle class is one of the deepest in recent memory. Headed by Mike McGlinchey from Notre Dame, tackles are especially important to teams with quarterback protection issues. While the players may be spread across all six rounds of the draft, there is plenty of talent to choose from.
In addition to McGlinchey, Connor Williams from Texas and Jamarco Jones from Ohio State have a chance to start in the NFL immediately. All three tackles are big and athletic enough to take on professional pass rushers.
Wide Receivers – Draft Grade: C
We have seen a drop off in wide receiver talent since the 2014 draft class which featured Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, and Mike Evans. While there may not be a clear No.1 prospect, 2018 still has plenty of excitement in the wide receiver poistion group.
Alabama’s Calvin Ridley or Colorado State’s Michael Gallup are two candidates worthy of a first-round selection. Ridley’s speed and high profile college may give him the edge over Gallup. Look for guys like Maryland’s D.J. Moore and Courtland Sutton from SMU to make noise on Day 2 as well.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-Round projection
Tight Ends – Draft Grade: B
The tight end class for the 2018 NFL Draft features several players who can cause mismatches at the next level. Perhaps none more so than South Dakota State’s Dallas Goedert. As the tight end position continues to get more athletic, Goedert’s game is tailor-made for the NFL.
Other tight ends to watch for include South Carolina’s Hayden Hurst and Penn State’s Mike Gesicki. The first three rounds should include many big-name tight ends taken off the board.